Total Communication Base

We are a specialised resource that supports children from Emmbrook Infant School and Emmbrook Junior School. The provision is an integral part of the two schools with a culture of inclusion and a strong focus on achievement for deaf children.

We adopt a child-centred approach to communication. This means that we respond directly to the needs of the individual and all forms of communication are equally valued. We use speech, Sign Supported English and BSL.  Support packages for the children follow a ‘needs led model’ so that the level of support is tailored to the individual needs of the child.  With this flexible approach we ensure that the whole curriculum is made accessible to our deaf children and supports their individual aptitudes and talents.

We are very proud to be rolling out our inductory programme of teaching BSL as the schools ‘chosen’ MFL this academic year. This exciting new curriculum will not only teach the mainstream children signing but also train their class teachers at the same time, up skilling the whole school community to Signature Level 1 standard by the time pupils leave in Year 6.

The schools have been adapted to provide acoustically favourable classrooms, including infrared Soundfield systems in all classes in the Infant and Junior schools.  We use personal FM systems to help pupils listening in class, small group work and 1:1 interventions. Children are encouraged from a very early age to become independent in the use of their equipment, to remove, clean and fit their hearing aids/cochlear implants and to report difficulties. Key workers perform daily listening checks on hearing aids and cochlear implants to monitor the sound quality and to enable pupils to recognise and respond to any changes and interference that may occur.

We care about needs of the whole deaf child and foster high levels of self-esteem, confidence and a positive self identity.  We take full advantage of the wide range of opportunities to develop confidence and self esteem alongside hearing peers as well as a sense of the child’s own deaf identity. We encourage children to work independently and develop good personal and social skills.

We work closely with the Berkshire Sensory Consortium and cochlear implant/audiology centres ensuring that children within the resource have joined up care with excellent communication between specialists.  Qualified teachers of the deaf, a speech and language therapist, an educational audiologist, an educational psychologist, specialist teachers, mainstream teachers and teaching assistants all work closely together with the children. The schools work in close partnership with external agencies to support the development and progress of each child.

We have strong links between home and school – this relationship is of the utmost importance to us.  Daily links are fostered through the use of a Home School Book, in which information is shared and parents can raise issues of a day -to-day nature or seek guidance. We offer an ‘open door’ policy of family support in which regular contact is encouraged and parents are invited to discuss any issues of concern, without the need to wait for more formal meetings such as Annual Reviews or Parent Consultation evenings.

If you are considering Emmbrook Infant or Junior Schools for your child please get in touch.  Visits are warmly welcomed.

What our parents and pupils say about us….

“We were nervous for our son changing schools and as with many deaf children his needs are multiple and complex.  The Total Communication Base at Emmbrook took time to listen to us as parents, get to know our son and build a transition package that would best meet his needs. They have been flexible, creative and thoughtful. They have been happy to get to know our son to see where his strengths are and use this to support his needs. Because of this we have seen him make progress and feel part of the school.” community.”  – Parent

“Mrs Sammour helps me do my ears. I like the games in the Total Communication Base room.” – Finnley, Year 2

“I like getting to know new things and have lots of friends.” – Ethan Year 6